BrightDrop 400 electric vans to assist Walmart’s last-mile deliveries in major U.S. cities

Chevrolet’s BrightDrop 400 electric vans are being deployed in major U.S. cities this year to support Walmart’s InHome delivery service. The introduction of these electric vans will help Walmart expand its delivery capabilities, reduce emissions, and provide drivers with vehicles designed for safety, efficiency, and comfort.

Walmart InHome associates, who deliver groceries directly to customers’ homes, participated in a pilot program with General Motors to evaluate the BrightDrop 400. The pilot included real-world testing in various driving conditions, including urban areas and residential neighborhoods. According to feedback from the associates, the vans performed well, particularly in areas such as battery range, maneuverability, and advanced safety features like the 360-degree HD Surround Vision camera and blind-zone steering assist.

The electric vans were noted for their ability to navigate congested areas and dense neighborhoods. Features such as automatic door closing contributed to greater efficiency and improved the overall experience for drivers. Additionally, the vans’ low-step design allowed for easier entry and exit, facilitating faster deliveries.

Sandor Piszar, vice president of GM Envolve, highlighted that the BrightDrop vans are designed with both efficiency and driver safety in mind, while also helping companies like Walmart reduce their carbon footprint. The pilot program demonstrated the practicality of the vehicles for everyday use by delivery drivers.

Walmart, which recently announced the expansion of its InHome delivery service to 62 million households across the U.S., will introduce the BrightDrop 400 vans to cities including Austin, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, northwest Arkansas, Orlando, and the San Francisco Bay area by the end of the year. Warren Moore, Walmart U.S.’s vice president of Dedicated Delivery, expressed that the company was encouraged by the performance of the vans during the pilot, especially after gathering feedback from the InHome associates who used them in live delivery situations.

The BrightDrop electric vans, manufactured at the CAMI Assembly plant, are equipped with features aimed at improving driver safety and comfort. These include a low step-in height to make it easier for drivers to enter and exit the vehicle, and large infotainment screens to support a technology-enhanced driving experience.